Paul Davis Surgery Update

by ClipperSteve on Jan 4, 2008 6:04 PM PST in News

Here's the press release from the Clippers press department.

Los Angeles Clippers' forward Paul Davis underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and torn lateral meniscus in his right knee. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews of the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

Davis is scheduled to remain in Birmingham undergoing physical therapy until his return to Los Angeles on January 11th. The timetable for his return is expected to be six to eight months.

Davis originally sustained the injury in the second quarter of the Clippers' game in Dallas on December 21st. In 22 games this season, Davis averaged 2.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 8.8 minutes per game.

This one is tricky. His rookie contract will expire while he's rehabbing. What do you do with him next season? Do you sign him? Maybe to a one year deal?

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Set him free

-0.102 WP48 so far this season, -0.054 for his career.

That sort of production is trivially replaced.

He hasn't had many chances, but unless the coaches are being wowed in practice, just grab another big in the second round next year. If the Clippers can convince someone they are a contender when healthy there always seems to be an aged proven big or two on the market to soak up backup minutes.

by John R on Jan 4, 2008 11:03 PM PST 0 recs

Generally agree....

However, I would tend to look at the numbers since the Miami game and not his season numbers. Either way, the 'N' is really small, but you can certainly make a case that he was overwhelmed by playing in 'for reals' NBA games for awhile, but when he got used to that, he started producing.

Still, a roster spot has value, and there's little reason to think he's worth burning one. Not that anyone else is likely to jump at him either, especially after knee surgery. He'll have to earn his way onto a regular season roster in somebody's training camp - I suppose that could be with the Clippers.

by ClipperSteve on Jan 4, 2008 11:27 PM PST up 0 recs

He's a Keeper

You need to consider this being his second year and he's been steadily improving. This injury is definitely a huge setback for his career, but we'll see how it plays out. As we saw, he continued to feel more comfortable as he got more minutes just as Josh Powell currently is. However, I do feel more comfortable having Davis being Kaman's backup than the latter if we're still talking about the future as I know Davis is so much better than Powell. Like ClipperSteve said, after the Miami game Davis really started to shine.

If the Clippers are still thinking of the future, they have to keep Paul. What is supposed to be a contender at present time is now an injured wreck:
-Cassel is nearing retirement
-Tim Thomas' lack of interest and inconsistency is a big factor in his play
-Cat, in my opinion still has plenty of gas in his tank, but the injuries this season were crippling for the team especially with his playing so hot in the opening of the season
-Corey/EB are getting to that point in their careers where they are indeed "veterans." I'm not worried at all about EB, but it's abnormal for Corey to go a season without at least one injury that keeps him out of playing.

That being said, building on Thornton, Davis, and Livingston ensure solid backups for Corey, EB/Kaman, and Sammy (Hopefully Shaun will be able do that job proficiently soon.). I love QRoss and all, but he clearly does not look comfortable with the team's offense. If he is to become the Bruce Bowen 2.0 we think he can be, he needs to step it up in scoring.

by Redmosa on Jan 5, 2008 4:14 PM PST 0 recs